This paper argues that the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) television series Top Gear (2002-) presents a significant opportunity to think about automobility, masculinity and law. As a show about cars and car culture it can be seen, and dismissed, as a gratuitous celebration of 'combustion masculinity.' However, its irony, humour and nostalgia combine to highlight that this way of being male lies in the past. Focusing on Top Gear series 13 (June-August 2009) it is argued that the essence of combustion masculinity lies not only in risk and competition but law. However, the show goes further. In its excessive performance of combustion masculinity it engages in gentle critique. In the post-industrial era where the motor vehicle's cultural status is declining Top Gear is itself a vehicle allowing combustion masculinity to be overtaken by less risky, less violent and more lawful ways of being male.
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机译：本文认为，英国广播公司（BBC）的电视连续剧《 Top Gear》（2002-）提供了一个重要的机会来思考汽车，男子气概和法律。作为有关汽车和汽车文化的展示，它可以看作是无谓的“燃烧男性气质”庆祝活动，并且被驳回了。然而，它的讽刺，幽默和怀旧相结合，突显出这种成为男性的方式在于过去。着眼于Top Gear系列13（2009年6月至8月），人们认为燃烧男性气质的本质不仅在于风险和竞争，还在于法律。但是，表演更进一步。由于其过度表现的燃烧男性气质，它引起了温柔的批评。在汽车工业的文化地位下降的后工业时代，Top Gear本身就是一种使男性化风险低，暴力少，合法性强的燃烧男性气质的汽车。
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